Fifteen girls took part in a cycling race aimed at promoting women’s sports in northwestern Jawzjan province on Wednesday, an official said.
The contest was organised by the Lankan Training Centre (LTC) at the Abdur Rashid Dostum Stadium in Shiberghan, the capital of Jawzjan.
Javed Noori, head of LTC, told Pajhwok Afghan News 15 girls took part in the cycle sport. He said the event was aimed to promote women’s sports.
“Although the environment was not proper and the race took place in scorching heat, girls’ participation is appreciable. The competition is a new experience that raises hope for future contests,” he said.
Noori added the top three cyclists were given awards and gifts. The race included three rounds around the stadium — about 1.5 kilometers.
The contestants called the race important for the promotion of women’s sports but complained of the lack of a proper environment for female athletes.
Hajira Bayat, who won the first position, remarked: “I am happy winning this event. I was encouraged by my family to join this sport.
“I learnt cycling in my house with the help of my brother before finding my way to the stadium; I hoped to win and I succeeded today,” she said.
The cyclists asked all families to avoid corralling their daughters and let them test their sporting skills and carve out a niche for themselves.
Basira Popal, who has been cycling for a year now, said: “Lack of a proper environment is the only problem we are facing.
“Given a proper venue, we will not be holding the event in so much heat,” said Popal, who finished second. She urged relevant officials to resolve sportswomen’s problems on priority.
Mohammad Seddiq Faez, head of the physical training center, said the girls used substandard bicycles in. “We are trying to provide better sports facilities for them so they are able to hone their skills.”
He said they planned to build a covered gymnasium for girls. According to local officials, there are around 120 sportswomen in Jawzjan.
